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December 14, 2017

I've neglected my blog because life happens and also my creative pursuits are spent on other avenues.

I'm writing feverishly on three novels. The latest one, "Between Wind and Water" will be published in 2018! A quick teaser for this 1898 Galveston Tale:

Stuck in a loveless marriage for thirty years, Abigail is desperate to escape. Her chance comes when she moves to Galveston. Her tailoring business thrives amongst high society, and a passionate love affair unfolds with an English sea captain.

At last she’s found happiness, but what happens when she realizes she has no rights, only wrongs? What measures will she take to possess the love she’s longed for?

December 31, 2016

Lenore and Archibald had enjoyed a busy day. They'd attended two balls and danced with exuberance every waltz and quadrille until they could dance no more. Cousin Myra and Aunt Minnie had finally departed after a month's visit and their little ones were tucked in for the night, leaving just the two of them to toast the New Year in. With champagne tickling their noses, they were quite content with the cozy arrangement.

"Dearest, I think 1840 was such a lovely year!" Lenore exclaimed. "We were finally invited to tea with the Vanderbilts and lawn tennis with the DuPonts."

Archibald tweaked his mustache. "Indeed, a brilliant coup. I'm certain the acquisition of our very smart brougham went a long way in elevating our social standing."

Lenore topped off their glasses. "I think we should decide upon our New Year's resolutions. Goals to better ourselves."

"I'll go first," Achibald offered. "I shall forgo my snuff. I think it considered very old fashioned these days. Don't you? Smoking is much preferred. They say it's healthy for the lungs, especially for asthma."

"A pipe?"

"Yes whenever I'm at home. Of course, I'll always ask leave of you to have a smoke. It is the gentlemanly thing to do."

"I'll sew you a fine velvet smoking jacket," Lenore sighed. "One with a satin collar. Or better yet, I'll buy you one on High Street. And slippers too."

"My darling girl, I think you are perfect in every way, so you need not rattle your brain over any resolutions."

"But I've already given this much deliberation. Now that our family is complete..."

"Complete?" Archibald bellowed. "I don't consider nine children the end of it. I'm one of a eleven and by God, I aim to match my father's efforts."

Lenore gave her best pout. "But darling, shall you have me completely worn out before I'm thirty-five?"

"Of course not, my sweetie, but ..."

"Back to my resolution for the year. I plan to tight-lace my corset to reach an enviable 15 inch waist. Dottie has achieved it and I aim to also."

"I've heard it on good authority that corsets constrict the organs."

"That is what smelling salts and a fainting couch are for," Lenore countered.

As the clock struck twelve, Archibald took his wife in his arms gave her a kiss that weakened any resolve she had of curtailing their family.

September 28, 2016

Fat Alley was a notorious red light district in Galveston Texas. Photographs from that era rarely show the terrible plight of the women involved in that trade. This is one poor girl's story.

Lottie was only ten when her mama died and her
good-for-nothing pa sold her to Madam Kitty in an alley off Postoffice Street.
Her job was to fetch clean water for the basin next to the bedstead in between
Johns. She kept her head low and learned to stay out of reach of lecherous men
who fancied the virginal blossom of youth.

It seemed overnight her breasts grew and soft
hair sprouted between her legs. The changes did not go unnoticed. Lottie was
all grown, they declared, and she was given her own crib with a rag filled
mattress and a lamp draped with a red scarf. Her lips and cheeks were painted
and her hair curled.

She did not know what to expect. She had seen
the tears and bruises, and unborn children carried away in the middle of the
night. But she could not imagine the pain of the endless days and nights that
were to come.